Seat Ibiza Ecomotive sets new economy record

The super-frugal SEAT Ibiza Ecomotive has once again proved its green credentials by clocking up astonishing average fuel economy of more than 120 miles to the gallon on a mammoth 1,186-mile tour of 12 European countries.

Austrian economy driving specialist Gerhard Plattner set the new record of 120.4 mpg at the wheel of the fuel-sipping Spanish supermini. His latest feat follows a debut drive back in April when Herr Plattner notched up an average of 97.4 mpg on a drive from the SEAT S.A. company HQ at Martorell near Barcelona in Spain to Göttingen in Germany.

This time Herr Plattner set out from Cieszyn in Poland after the IPMC (International Police Motor Corporation) sealed both the SEAT’s bonnet and its fuel filler. Then, with around 45 litres of fuel at his disposal, the Austrian economy ace embarked on his ambitious tour of 12 European states.

Herr Plattner drove through the cities of Mosty (Czech Republic), Bratislava (Slovakia), Hegyeshalom (Hungary), Graz (Austria), Varazdin (Croatia), Maribor (Slovenia), Toblach (Italy), Innsbruck (Austria), Schaan (Principality of Liechtenstein), Zurich (Switzerland) and Saint-Louis (France) to finish off in Frankfurt (Germany).

When he switched off the Ibiza Ecomotive’s engine for the last time, the seal on the fuel tank was still intact and the SEAT’s new economy record for its segment was certified.

Optimised aerodynamics, weight reduction and modifications to the 80 PS 1.4 TDI engine’s electronic management have delivered one of the cleanest cars on the market today.

The Ibiza Ecomotive is available in both SC and 5dr body styles and costs from £12,355 RRP. Official stats show it is capable of 94.2 mpg on the extra urban cycle, or 76.3 mpg on the combined cycle, while CO2 emissions are put at just 98 g/km – meaning the SEAT is both exempt from Road Tax in the UK and is joint best in its class.

However, exceptional economy does not mean Ecomotive buyers have to endure austere equipment levels. Among the Ibiza’s standard-fit items are air conditioning, electric front windows, trip computer and six-speaker AM/FM radio with MP3 compatible CD player and AUX-in connection.

The Ibiza Ecomotive sits alongside a growing array of economy-minded models in the Spanish firm’s line-up. Aside from the seven-seat Alhambra Ecomotive and current Leon Ecomotive, SEAT used the recent Frankfurt Motor Show to debut further additions to its green car stable.

Set to join the line-up in due course, SEAT showcased the new Altea Ecomotive and Altea XL Ecomotive, as well as a second generation Leon Ecomotive model which cuts its CO2 emissions to a remarkable 99 g/km.

The new Leon model is a full 20 g/km better than its predecessor thanks to the addition of Auto Start/Stop and energy recuperation functions, allied to engineering advances provided by the use of a new 1.6-litre common rail diesel engine.

Meanwhile, the new Altea Ecomotive and Altea XL Ecomotive record official emissions figures of just 119 g/km CO2 making them among the most environmentally responsible models in their segment.